Category: Book Reviews

Before Bethlehem

James J Fleglage

I just finished this book and it was perfect timing, just before Christmas.  It reminded me of “The Bronze Bow”.  I can’t say it was Biblically correct and there was certainly some creative license used. A super short summary would be exactly what the title states. Joseph’s life right up until the events in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. Continue reading “Book Review: {Before Bethlehem}” →

The Girl on the Train
By, Paula Hawkins

Life is still flying by and I still feel like I’m running to catch up. I’m hoping that with in 6 months things will slow a bit and I can catch a breath. I know everyone says life only continues to speed up, but I’m making a conscious effort to say “no” to more things and being more protective of our home and family time. We all like to be on the go and have lots of exciting things to do, but I’m feeling the stress it’s placing on me and the rest of the family. Continue reading “Book Review {The Girl on the Train}” →

The Other Side of Infamy: My Journey Through Pearl Harbor and The World at War
By Jim Downing

A lot has changed in our life since the last time I posted! So much so, that I don’t know even where to start. So I won’t in this post!! Continue reading “{Book Review} The Other Side of Infamy” →

Rescuing Christina: The Transforming Power of an Unlikely Love
By, Shannon Kuzmich

I’ve been in California now for 31 days and counting. It has been busy, full of things to do, and I’ve had a family that I’ve been adopted into myself. Baby Aspen has been staying with me, but it’s only one kiddo! Even with all that’s going on I still have more time on my hands than I’m used to. Continue reading “Book Review {Rescuing Christina}” →

[amazon_link id=”0151013713″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ][/amazon_link]
Joy: Poet, Seeker and the Woman who Captivated C.S. Lewis
By, Abigail Santamaria

I read a short review on this book in the World Magazine which made this book sound very interesting. Also I’ve heard the saying “Behind every great man there is an even greater woman.” With that thought in mind I’ve often wondered much about CS. Lewis’s wife. Continue reading “Book Review: {Joy: Poet, Seeker and the Woman who Captivated C.S. Lewis}” →

[amazon_link id=”1601425201″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ][/amazon_link] 
rare bird: a memoir of loss and love
Anna whiston-Donaldson

I feel like I’m on a dark book trend. Books that are sad. Emotional. But also hopeful. Spots of happiness. Sometimes… even redeeming. This and the next book review will be in the same genre.  Since we had a week at camp I was able to do a bit more reading than usual and it was lovely! Continue reading “Book Review {rare bird}” →

[amazon_link id=”0345544943″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ][/amazon_link]

Leaving Time
By, Jodi Picoult

I just realized I hadn’t written a review of this book and I had completely forgotten about it. I was just looking over what I had read this year and noticed that I’d never finished the review! I had to come back to it of course and try and finish.

It’s definitely been quite a few months since I’ve finished it, but it was such an engaging read that I can remember it quite clearly. In fact… I think I actually finished the book right after the new year! A friend of mine LOVES Jodi Picoult as an author and finds her books her favorite and doesn’t describe herself as a reader, unless this author has a new book out!

I’d never read any of her novels and thought I should give one a go since my dear friend loves them so much. I also feel like books tell you about your friends. It gives you insight into what they enjoy reading. I can understand why she enjoyed this particular book and makes me want to read others by this author!

The novel is about a young girl who has lost her mother. They used to live at an elephant sanctuary with her dad and some close friends. They loved caring for the elephants, but then things started to go bad. People didn’t seem to be who they claimed and relationships started to change.

Jenna was very young at the time of all these happenings, but she really misses her mother and is determined to find her no matter what the cost.

I don’t want to give any more of the book away, but there are some exciting and certainly unexpected twists. I stayed up late reading and couldn’t put it down. It was an easy read, but hard to stop at the end of a chapter! I have two more of this authors books sitting next to my night stand… hopefully I will get to them soon…. stay tuned!